Abstract:The Los Angeles Downtown Strategic Plan (DSP) of 1994 was crafted to guide future direction in the city’s revival of its dead downtown. This project looks back from 20 years later to interpret the plan's strategies--centered on adaptive reuse, coordinated public/private action, catalytic projects, small-grain development, and New Urbanist ideals--and argues for its success based on its role in renewing interest in local heritage, increasing quality of life for downtowners, and making the region more efficient and sustainable.